Osteoporosis: Symptoms, causes and what really happens in the body

Why osteoporosis often goes undetected for a long time

Many sufferers are unaware of their osteoporosis for years. This is due to several interacting reasons.

• Lack of symptoms:In the early stages, bone loss causes no pain or noticeable symptoms.
• Non-specific signs:Back pain or a slightly stooped posture are often attributed to normal aging.
• No routine diagnostics:Bone density measurements are usually only performed when there is a specific suspicion; there is no screening in younger years.
• Hidden fractures:Even small vertebral fractures sometimes go unnoticed or are misinterpreted as back pain.

As a result, osteoporosis is often only diagnosed at an advanced stage, often after the first fracture.

Who is at increased risk for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis can affect anyone, but some factors significantly increase the likelihood.

• Age:The risk increases with age, especially after 70.
• Gender and hormones:Women are significantly more affected, especially after menopause due to the drop in estrogen. Early menopause further increases the risk.
• Genetic predisposition:Osteoporosis and fractures in the family indicate a higher personal risk.
• Body type:Very slender, delicate individuals with low weight have less bone reserve.
• Lifestyle:Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and chronic stress weaken the bones.
• Nutrition:A calcium-poor diet, vitamin D deficiency, or eating disorders strain bone metabolism.
• Medication and diseases:Long-term cortisone therapy and diseases such as rheumatism, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid increase the risk.

The more of these factors combine, the higher the probability. A connection that becomes particularly relevant during and after menopause.

Can osteoporosis be prevented?

A bone-friendly lifestyle can prevent osteoporosis or slow its progression. These are the most important building blocks.

• Calcium-rich diet:Dairy products, green vegetables, and nuts provide the building material, and sufficient protein is also important.
• Vitamin D:It promotes calcium absorption and is produced in the skin with sunlight. In case of deficiency, supplements may be useful.
• Exercise:Weight-bearing and strengthening exercises such as brisk walking, climbing stairs, and strength training strengthen bones and muscles and prevent falls.
• Avoid risk substances:Do not smoke and consume alcohol only in moderation, as both weaken bones in the long run.
• Healthy weight:Neither severe underweight nor extreme overweight are good for bones.

Nutrients that support bones

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recognizes the contribution of several micronutrients to bone health.Vitamin D, Magnesiumand Zinccontribute to the maintenance of normal bones, and vitamin D additionally supports the normal absorption and utilization of calcium. Calcium itself is the central building block of bone substance.

In practice, a solid basic supply of these nutrients, combined with sufficient calcium through diet and regular exercise, is useful. Those who belong to a risk group, such as women in menopause, should discuss bone health with a doctor, possibly with a bone density measurement.

Conclusion: Osteoporosis is more than just a disease of old age

Osteoporosis is often dismissed as a mere disease of old age, but this is too simplistic. Bone loss usually begins in middle age, and women feel the effects of hormone-related loss around menopause, even if nothing is visible for a long time.

The earlier you take care of your bone health through conscious nutrition, exercise, a healthy weight, and medical check-ups for risk factors, the better you can slow down bone loss. Bone health is not just a question of age, but belongs in every phase of life.